Katadyn

Hiker Pro Transparent Water Microfilter

Efficient, easy to use, but bulky and heavy

I've used this filter on a few backpacking and mountaineering trips, and have really liked it so far. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and filters water quickly. It also works well in running or still water. However, it's pretty bulky, heavy, and takes a minute to set up. If you aren't looking for the smallest ultralight option, this is perfect for most people.

Great product so far, curious on longevity

Love the filter, it was very easy to set up and use. I used mine for a 3 day backpacking trip as the designated filter guy for me and one of my buddies. We used it quite a bit and it works well, but I am interested to see how long it will hold up, as one of my other buddies also has the same filter (and had recommended it to me), and his filter was noticeably harder to pump. He had used his for 2 other trips prior, and cleaned it as described in the manual after each trip, so I’m nervous mine will do the same fairly quickly. However, I have not personally had any issues so far, and the highlight for me is definitely the bladder quick connect so that I can fill my bladder without undoing the top while on the trail!

Great Filter

This was a no brainer for the price. It does take about five minutes to pump a liter because of how slow you have to pump to get the best result. I like that it filters everything out and leaves a clean taste. A pen won't clear particulates and same with the drops so this seems to be the most all encompassing filter. Glad I bought this over the pen style. It is also really small and light weight where as the bag type takes up a lot of room. I am sure a small bag gravity filter would have also worked well for backpacking.

Filter immediately broke

Filter body immediately cracked while filtering from a clean water source. After contacting Katadyn they refused to warranty their product.

Overly complicated, questionable quality?

I used an original Pur (pre-Katadyn) Hiker for more than 25 years. I upgraded to a Hiker Pro, and it broke after about 2 1/2 years of relatively light use. The adhesive holding the intake valve in place feel apart. It took me 45 minutes in the field (and very short on water!) to figure out how to put it back together and hold it in place to get a trickle of water through it. While the quick connect seems a good idea, it's one more piece to fail. Stick with the original Hiker - it's a simpler and more reliable design.

Sets the bar for handheld water filters

This filter isn't too heavy, is simple to use, and filters a lot of water quickly. Unless you are an ultralight backpacker, this is probably the water filter you should use. The instructions for the product are not great, however. The basic operation is straightforward -- dirty water goes in tube A, clean water goes out tube B, just work the pump handle. What isn't so well explained is the different configurations for filling water bottles and/or hydration bladders. I LOVE that I can fill my bladder through the hose and not take it out of my pack. Shoving a full bladder into a full backpack is always a minor annoyance, and I'm happy to never do that again. The way that setup is described in the manual isn't easy to decipher, especially since it's telling you to cut tubes and add connectors. The text is tiny and the illustrations are very lacking. Now that I've got it figured out, filtering water on the trail has become a super simple and easy chore.

Best water pump

This has been the best pump over the ten years of group backpacking with different pumps. It is reliable, easy, low maintenance and fast. Others have broken in the field, need pre soaking or slow down too fast. I feel confident taking this pump into the backcountry.

Great water purifier

This has been a great unit that has served 8+ people during any of the hunts.

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is my go-to water filter. It is easy to use and lightweight, as filters go. Get as much water out of it as possible and keep it in your sleeping bag in sub-freezing conditions. I love that the storage bag has a separate container for the output hose to keep it clean. Practice with it at home to get used to handling the intake hose and keeping the output hose out of contaminated water.

Great pump

Easy to use and clean. comes with an adapter to fit standard wide mouth Nalgene bottles. Must have as a main filtration, backup, or if you just can't wait for the gravity filters. Great crew gear.